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Even though dry gas seals for centrifugal compressors are becoming more popular, knowledge and understanding of oil seals and their associated support systems are still very important. Many existing compressors still have oil seals; likewise, dry gas seals have pressure and surface velocity limitations that prevent them from being applied to all applications. The author describes the two most common types of API oil seals so that users can understand the fundamentals of each. Likewise, the strengths and weaknesses for each seal type are listed so users can have input into specification of their seals dependent upon their particular applications. Examples are given of problematic seal designs and the changes made to improve them. The support systems for each type of oil seal are described, along with ways to specify the best system for different applications. A step-by-step method is given for troubleshooting seals and their support system in the field. Case studies of problematic oil seal system with solutions are presented.